Prime Minister Modi Embarks on Historic Visit to Argentina
Modi's Diplomatic Journey to Argentina
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Argentina as part of the third phase of his five-nation tour. His visit to Buenos Aires on July 4-5 symbolizes a significant diplomatic engagement between India and Argentina. This marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American nation since Indira Gandhi's trip in 1968. The timing of this visit is crucial as both countries aim to deepen their cooperation in energy, essential minerals, defense, and trade, while also reaffirming their shared stance against terrorism. This trip precedes the BRICS summit in Brazil, establishing Argentina as a vital stop in India's broader outreach in Latin America and the Global South.
Focus on Lithium and Other Resources
Argentina's vast reserves of lithium, copper, and shale gas have emerged as key areas of interest for India. Lithium, in particular, is essential for India's clean energy ambitions, being used in batteries for electric vehicles and grid storage. Argentina is part of the 'lithium triangle' along with Bolivia and Chile. A government-supported Indian company, KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited), has already secured lithium exploration rights in Argentina's Catamarca province, with further announcements expected during this visit.
Warm Welcome for the Prime Minister
Upon his arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, Prime Minister Modi received a formal welcome. He expressed on social media platform 'X', "I have arrived in Buenos Aires for a bilateral visit aimed at enhancing relations with Argentina. I look forward to meeting President Javier Milei and engaging in extensive discussions with him." This visit is significant as it is the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years, and Modi's second visit as Prime Minister, having previously attended the G-20 summit in Argentina in 2018.
Community Celebration and Cultural Exchange
The Indian community warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi at his hotel with chants of "Modi, Modi" and slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai." The Prime Minister took some time to interact with community members, who also presented a cultural dance in his honor. The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, noted on 'X', "We celebrated the enduring friendship between our nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Buenos Aires for an official visit, marking the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years, adding a new chapter to India-Argentina relations."
Strengthening India-Argentina Ties
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that during this visit, Modi will engage in comprehensive discussions with President Milei to enhance India-Argentina partnerships in key sectors such as defense, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, and investment. The statement emphasized, "The Prime Minister's bilateral visit will further strengthen the multifaceted strategic partnership between India and Argentina." In his departure statement, Modi highlighted Argentina as a significant economic partner in Latin America and a close ally in the G-20, expressing eagerness to discuss with President Javier Milei, whom he met last year.
Future Collaborations
Prime Minister Modi stated, "We will focus on advancing mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment." He arrived in Argentina following a two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, where six agreements were signed to expand bilateral relations between India and Trinidad and Tobago.